HBM/HTT: Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Co 617 (GX03 SSZ) at Devil’s Dyke - 26 Sep 2010 (DSCN4707)

Sunday 26 Sept 2010 (1440) – Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company (Go-Ahead Group owned) 617 (GX03 SSZ), a Scania N94UD OmniDekka with East Lancs body new June 2003, seen at Devil’s Dyke, the terminus of service 77.

Most of the company’s buses carry names of people having a connection with the Brighton area. Douglas Reeve was a local organist, born in Brighton, who played the organ at Brighton cinemas and The Dome Concert Hall for many years and from where the BBC broadcast regular performances.

Devil’s Dyke is located about five miles (8 kilometres) outside Brighton. The Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in Britain. Legend has it that the Devil dug the chasm to drown the parishioners of the area known as The Weald. In reality the land is thought to have been shaped over 10,000 years ago by erosion carving out the chalk based landscape. The National Trust maintains this natural environment which is popular with walkers and for the pursuit of outdoor activities. Hang gliders and paragliders take advantage of the high ground and thermal draughts, high ground which also provides stunning countryside views.